With no major hospitals located within the 3.1-square-mile city of Stanton, Cal State Fullerton public health students noted that residents may face challenges in accessing certain types of medical care.
The findings, presented on a geographic information systems map, were part of a health care needs assessment conducted by students in Cal State Fullerton’s Community Health Ambassador Program.
The pilot program, championed by Orange County Board of Supervisors Chair Doug Chaffee in partnership with CSUF’s Department of Public Health, is focusing its research on the city of Stanton and aims to develop a model to support improved health outcomes.
Cailin Scheussler, a first-year graduate student pursuing a Master of Public Health degree, is excited to gain hands-on experience on a project that could inform policy changes and improve community well-being.
Scheussler collaborated with fellow graduate students M Smith and Darling Victoriano, Associate Professor of Public Health Shana Charles, and community partner CalOptima Health on the assessment, “Barriers to Timely Healthcare Access in Stanton.” Next semester, the team will design interventions based on its initial needs assessment report.
Other assessments included early childhood development, in partnership with First 5 Orange County, and food insecurity, in partnership with OC Health Care Agency.
CSUF students Citlaly Corrales, Daphne Galasso, Victoria Nguyen and Kevin Roldan researched needs related to “Housing Insecurity in Stanton,” in partnership with OC Social Services Agency and OC Care Coordination, each receiving $1,000 stipends for their outstanding presentations in the Fall Student Showcase event.
“For a program like CHAP to succeed, we needed a partner with expertise, passion and a commitment to service — and there’s no better partner than Cal State Fullerton and its remarkable Department of Public Health,” said Chaffee. “The insights generated by students, combined with the practical knowledge of our community partners, are the foundation for targeted, practical and meaningful interventions.
“This approach allows us to focus on prevention, strengthen long-term stability and build a health care system that addresses problems before they become crises,” he added.
Twenty-two students are participating in the two-year pilot program, with concentrations in community health, epidemiology, and environmental and occupational health and safety.
Scheussler, who earned her bachelor’s degree in public health from Cal State Fullerton in May 2025, shared that she was excited to continue her education at the university.
“Cal State Fullerton was my first choice for graduate school. I love the community here, and I’ve met so many amazing and supportive people,” said Scheussler, who has been involved in such student organizations as the Public Health Student Association and Planned Parenthood Generation Action at Cal State Fullerton.
CSUF President Ronald Rochon thanked the students for their scholarship, noting the courage and compassion they demonstrated in their presentations.
“These presentations are so important. So many policymakers need to hear what you’re presenting,” said Rochon. “People are in crisis right now, and knowing that you have the interest, the curiosity and the courage to walk toward these issues warms my heart. Do not underestimate your power to change the world.”